UPDATE 1/25/12 - No vote was taken at the Council meeting. Word on the street is that a public hearing will happen in early February. St. Louis County replied to questions regarding the proposed ordinance with a helpful FAQ document explaining the changes, though the answers don’t seem to correspond with the actual ordinance language. The ordinance should speak for itself without a separate page of explanations. Look forward to the public hearing, more details to follow soon.

1/23/12

An email came through the pipeline today about a proposed ordinance revising farmers market regulations in St. Louis County. The original intent was to lower the various fees imposed on farmers and vendors – see suggested ordinance below. However, several new areas for concern have been introduced:

1) The ordinance limits farmers market operation to 7 months a year – no more winter markets.

2) Establishes guidelines for Missouri farmers, but not Illinois farmers selling at Missouri markets.

3) Creates unclear categorization of farmer to vendor if prepared food is sampled or sold.

The suggested ordinance, created by Deborah Henderson, Clayton Farmers Market Manager: http://www.claytonfarmersmarket.com/pdf/food-service-bill-2011.pdf.            The proposed ordinance, submitted by Councilman O’Mara: http://bit.ly/xET9k3.

Take action – attend the Council meeting tonight or contact your representative.
The St. Louis County Council meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m in the County Council Chambers, 1st Floor, 41 South Central Avenue in Clayton. Find your representative by entering your address and then selecting “View your elected officials” or call Executive Charley Dooley (314.615.7016), Chairman Michael O’Mara (314.615.5439) or Committee Chair Hazel Erby (314.615.5436).